New South Wales electricity business Endeavour Energy has switched on two community batteries in the City of Campbelltown, and encouraged local residents to sign up and save on household electricity costs.
The two community batteries include a large battery wrapped in Indigenous art at Blair Athol and small unit mounted to an electricity pole in Macquarie Fields, which together enable 140 local residents to benefit from renewable energy, whether or not they have solar, own their own house, rent or live in an apartment.
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Endeavour Energy general manager, future grid and asset management Colin Crisafulli said, “We’re proud to be rolling out one of the most significant community battery programs in NSW and are calling on local residents to get involved and actively participate in the energy transition by making the most of this shared battery solution.
“In addition to driving down costs, the Blair Athol community battery is adorned with the artwork of Ngemba elder, Aunty Jenny Shillingsworth, titled Country tells our Story, to create a stunning piece of community art and is a lasting legacy for the community to enjoy,” he said.
The Mayor of Campbelltown City Council, Councillor Darcy Lound welcomed the two community batteries, saying, “We’re excited to see the Blair Athol and Macquarie Fields community batteries switched on and ready to support our local community.
“These community batteries are an important part of ongoing efforts to support sustainability initiatives in Campbelltown and reflect our commitment to exploring practical environmental solutions,” Cr Lound said.
The Blair Athol and Macquarie Fields community batteries are part of Endeavour Energy’s program of 10 community batteries being delivered across Bargo, Cambewarra, East Bowral, Hammondville and St Georges Basin, and fully operational at Kiama, Shell Cove and Bungarribee.
An additional 76 community batteries are being rolled out in partnership with the Federal Government across 33 suburbs in Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and the Illawarra. Origin Energy will provide the platform for customers to participate in the battery trial and will also orchestrate the energy stored in the battery, including dispatch to the wholesale market, working with Endeavour Energy to support electricity demand management.
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“We’re thrilled to help bring another two community batteries to life in partnership with Endeavour Energy, which will give households in Blair Athol and Macquarie Fields the opportunity to reduce their energy bills,” Origin executive general manager Origin Zero James MaGill said.
“Through these community battery trials, people can share in the benefits that battery storage provides, regardless of whether they have solar panels and without the upfront cost required to purchase their own battery. We encourage households in the area to engage with this initiative, which will help them harness more renewable energy and save money,” he said.
